The Houston Astros kept their intentions for the first pick of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player draft to themselves in the weeks prior. The Astros finally confirmed Thursday afternoon what everyone expected, selecting Cathedral Catholic left-hander Brady Aiken with the first overall pick.

Aiken is just the third high school pitcher to be selected first overall in the draft's 50 years, joining left-handers David Clyde (Rangers, 1973) and Brien Taylor (Yankees, 1991).

Minutes after Aiken's selection, Seattle used the sixth pick to get Rancho Bernardo High catcher Alex Jackson, who was drafted as an outfielder by the Mariners.

San Francisco outfielder Bradley Zimmer (La Jolla High) went to Cleveland with the 21st pick and USD outfielder Connor Joe (Poway High) was selected by Pittsburgh with the 39th pick. In the second round, Maryland right-hander Jake Stinnett (Rancho Buena Vista) was drafted by the Cubs.

San Diego State right-hander Michael Cederoth was expected to be selected Thursday, but his name was not called during the draft's first two rounds (and compensation picks). The 40-round draft continues Friday and concludes Saturday.

There were some tense moments leading up to the first pick.

MLB.com's Jim Callis reported earlier Thursday that Houston did not want to pay the $7,922,100 slotted for the first pick, and the Astros were reportedly low-balling Aiken as the draft show began. When Bud Selig stepped to the podium, Aiken still did not know what the commissioner would say.

Aiken was surrounded by family and friends at his Cardiff home for a draft party awaiting the announcement. When Selig said, "With the first selection of the 2014 first-year player draft, the Houston Astros select Brady Aiken, left-handed pitcher from Cathedral Catholic High School in San Diego, California," Aiken reacted by covering his face with his hands before revealing a broad smile.

"I actually did find out on TV," Aiken said when interviewed by the MLB Network. "We were going back and forth and we just found out. It was a crazy moment."

Added Aiken: "I'm ready to move forward and see what the Astros have in store for me in the future. I'm really excited."

Aiken gained a national profile last summer during showcase events and while pitching for the U.S. National 18U team. The 6-4 lefty was 7-0 for the Dons this season with a 1.07 ERA, 111 strikeouts and 15 walks in 59 2/3 innings.

Jackson tied the San Diego Section career home run record (47) this season, collecting 11 home runs on the year with 31 RBIs while batting .400.

Zimmer, a 6-5 junior regarded as the best athlete among college players, batted .368 for the Dons with seven homers and 31 RBIs. His brother Kyle, a right-handed pitcher, was a first-round pick of the Kansas City Royals two years ago.

The versatile Joe played catcher, first base and outfield for the Toreros this season, batting .367 with nine homers and 51 RBIs.